Advantages of Having a Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate

by RobertKeith

When looking for a new home, potential buyers are more likely to select a home with wood floors over one with carpet or tile throughout the home.

Wood floors add warmth and are one of the most desired amenities in a house. Many people prefer to buy an older home because of the natural wood floors that are found within it. The newer home builders are seeking this same look and feel but don't want to spend as much money, so they resort to installing laminate floors instead of real wood.

Regardless of which type of flooring you prefer - hardwood vs. laminate - here are the advantages and disadvantages of having either one.

How Strong Is The Floor?

Floors are going to be walked on and in areas where it is always high-traffic, is going to wear more than other places. Having a floor that will wear well over the years is important to help you get the most out of your money. 

Laminate - The composition of this type of flooring is made up of pressed wood, so it is able to withstand scratches, dents, and moisture. Laminate floors are much easier to clean as well. One downside to choosing laminate is that it sometimes doesn't have a strong visual effect and may even appear to have a texture that really doesn't appear to look like wood at all. 

New oak parquet
New oak parquet

Hardwood - Real hardwood floors will show wear in areas where there is a lot of traffic. Due to the composition of this type of floor, scratches, dents, and moisture will all have lasting effects on the flooring. Hardwood floors are very appealing to the eye, however, and depending on what type of wood is installed, it can add a lot of value to your home. 

How Much Does It Cost?

What you are wanting in your home might be too expensive for how much you are able to pay. Comparing the costs associated with both hardwood and laminate floors will help you make the best decision possible for your home. 

Laminate - They way to make laminate flooring is to take composite wood and at a very high temperature, press it together. There is a layer placed on top of the wood to make it look like an actual hardwood floor. All of the materials required to make laminate are less expensive, but the labor involved in installing these floors is an average of fifty percent less than hardwood. 

Hardwood - The wood taken for hardwood floors is directly from trees that have been harvested. The more exotic the tree, the higher the price for wood flooring. Generally speaking, this is going to be the more expensive option. 

How Do I Repair My Floors?

Before making a selection of hardwood vs. laminate, you need to make sure you are aware of the costs involved in repairing them. Since your floors are one of the most visible places to see wear and tear, you need to be prepared to repair them at one point or another. 

Laminate - Laminate floors are very difficult to repair. If the type of floor that you chose comes in pieces that snap together, you can take out individual pieces to replace if damage occurs, but the new piece will be different from the existing wood due to sun exposure or regular wear and tear on the existing floors. Most people have to replace the entire floor instead of spot treating. 

Hardwood - Hardwood is easier to repair because you can sand it down and refinish it. If you have an issue with scratches or damage to your floor, you can get a free sanding quote to let you know exactly how much you will have to pay for your repair. 

The ease of repairing an actual hardwood floor is the reason most people choose to install them in their homes over the laminate option. The upfront cost of laminate might be appealing, but when life happens and you need a repair done, it will end up costing you a lot more because the entire laminate section will need to be replaced. Research and know the exact dollar amounts you are looking at before you make a final decision.

Updated: 05/29/2018, RobertKeith
 
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